Barcelona’s new project has Lionel Messi as the fulcrum hence a stall on his departure, which would have jumbled the entire plan of the board.

The Argentine after the 8-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals felt the need to move on to another club after seeing his future veiled at the Camp Nou as he entered into the final 12 months of his contract.

Messi was ready to welcome a new challenge with his possible destination likely to be in the Premier League to reunite with former manager, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City yet the president of the club, Josep Bartomeu failed to grant the wish of the 33-year-old until he fulfilled his contract till the end.

"Our priority was for [Lionel] Messi to be in the new project and I decided not to face a dialectical discussion,” Bartomeu said.

“I was accused of forcing his departure to balance the accounts.

"Well no, we will not strengthen a direct rival. We made a decision accepting the attrition."

Messi began the new season with the Blaugranas and has managed a goal in four matches in the Laliga.

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Marca disclosed that Josep Maria Bartomeu could resign after Monday's board meeting following the validation of votes needed to trigger a motion of no confidence yet the Barcelona president stressed at a press conference on Monday spoke that resigning from the team is not part of his plans especially when there is the certainty that Barcelona, with the commitment of Messi, can win trophies this season with the addition of a few players.

He hoped that the World Best player would retire at Barcelona regardless of a few misunderstanding in the past.

"It never crossed my mind to resign. 

"The project is very interesting with young players and experienced ones, like [Lionel] Messi.

"And I think that with him we are going to win a title this season. I understand everyone's opinions, as empathizing is important. In Leo's case is good to get angry because it is not good to accept defeats and we have all gotten angry.

"But there was a deadline for him to announce if he wanted to leave or not. He did not do it and he is still here. We all want him to retire at Barcelona."

The Blaugranas lost the El Clasico at the Camp Nou against Madrid 'struggling' Madrid following their back to back defeat to Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. 

As to whether the player would agree to a new contract as he nears the end of the current is yet to be known.

Barca will play Juventus on Wednesday night in the Champions League in Italy.